Connector for panel members

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the invention are directed to a connector that connects a first flat member and a second flat member. The connector can include a support portion, a first arm, connected to the support portion, and defining a first arm channel. The connector can also include a second arm, connected to the support portion, and defining a second arm channel, the second arm being apart from the first arm. An opening is defined, in part, by an edge of the support portion, and edge of the first arm and an edge of the second arm. Also, the first arm channel an the second arm channel and the support portion are shaped and configured such that the first flat member can be positioned, in part, within the first arm channel, and extend through the opening, and the second flat member can be positioned, in part, in the second arm channel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Patent ApplicationNo. US2011/037556, filed on May 23, 2011, currently pending, whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/346,965, filed May 21, 2010, the contents of both applications beingincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the invention are directed to connectors for connectingpanel members, and, in particular, connectors for connecting panelmembers to form furniture or other pieces.

2. Description of Related Art

It is a common occurrence to assemble multiple panel members, such as,for example, wooden boards or panels, into structural pieces, such asfurniture. For example, it is typical for furniture companies to shipfurniture pieces unassembled, with makers shipping panels, and hardwarefor connecting the panels, to stores. The furniture pieces are theneither assembled by workers at a retail store, or brought to a home oroffice and assembled by the purchaser.

In such instances, the person assembling the panels and hardware into afurniture piece is not typically an expert at assembling furniture, andproblems during the assembly process can occur.

One such problem is in aligning multiple panels when the panels are tobe connected at right angles, such as, for example, at the corner of abookcase. When two panel members (also referred to herein as “flatmembers” or “panels”) are joined, the person assembling the furnituretypically needs to position the two pieces at right angles, and thenscrew in an “L” bracket, or similar piece of hardware, into both of thepanels. Because it is difficult to maintain the panels at a right angle,however, and because there is often some slack or “play” when screwingthe “L” bracket into the panels, it often occurs that the sought afterright angles are not achieved while assembling the furniture pieces.

In addition, a single hardware component, such as an “L” bracket,typically cannot satisfactorily facilitate the positioning andconnecting of three panels positioned in three mutually perpendicularplanes, such as at a top corner of a bookcase, where a vertical sidepanel, a horizontal shelf panel, and a back panel would be connected.

Another shortcoming of known connectors is that a single connectorcannot typically be used to satisfactorily facilitate the positioning oftwo panels in a “T” configuration with an edge of one panel abutting aside of the other panel at a right angle, thus forming a “T” structure.Instead, such a configuration typically requires the use of two or moreconnectors.

Another difficulty that arises when assembling furniture is that thehardware components, such as “L” brackets, often provide much of theirrigidity and support to a furniture piece by was of an attachment to awall or other rigid structure. Thus, an “L” shelf bracket typicallyprovides support to a shelf by way of the bracket's attachment to a wallor other rigid structure. Such a bracket does not provide much supportfor panel members that it is connecting, if only connected in afree-standing manner, apart from other rigid structures.

Thus, a situation exists whereby certain difficulties arise whenassembling panels into furniture or other structures. Consequently, aneed exists for an improved connector for positioning and connectingpanels for furniture and other structures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention are directed to these and other needs.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a connector that includesfirst and second arms extending from a support portion. The arms definechannels in which flat members can be supported. The arms are apart fromeach other, such that an opening is defined, in part, by edges of thearms and the support member. A first flat member can be positioned inthe channel of the first arm and extend through the opening, with asecond flat member being positioned in the second channel, with the flatmembers forming a “T” configuration. Embodiments of the connector can beused to support, position and connect three different flat members, witheach or the flat members oriented in a plane mutually perpendicular tothe planes in which the other flat members are oriented.

Embodiments are directed to a connector that connects a first flatmember and a second flat member. The connector can include a supportportion, a first arm, connected to the support portion, and defining afirst arm channel. The connector can also include a second arm,connected to the support portion, and defining a second arm channel, thesecond arm being apart from the first arm. An opening is defined, inpart, by an edge of the support portion, an edge of the first arm and anedge of the second arm. Also, the first arm channel and the second armchannel and the support portion are shaped and configured such that thefirst flat member can be positioned, in part, within the first armchannel, and pass through the opening, and the second flat member can bepositioned, in part, in the second arm channel.

Other embodiments can include a connector for connecting at least afirst flat member and a second flat member. The connector can include asupport portion, a first arm, connected to the support portion, thefirst arm defining a first arm channel, and a second arm, connected tothe support portion, the second arm defining a second arm channel, thesecond arm being apart from the first arm. The support portion cancomprise a first positioning slot and a second positioning slot definedtherein. An opening can be defined, in part, by an edge of the supportportion, and edge of the first arm and an edge of the second arm, andthe first arm channel and the second arm channel and the support portionare shaped and configured such that the first flat member can bepositioned, in part, within the first arm channel, and pass through theopening, and the second flat member can be positioned, in part, in thesecond arm channel. The embodiment also includes a shim member, the shimmember including a flat shim base, a first tab extending outward fromthe shim base in a direction perpendicular to the shim base, and asecond tab extending outward from the shim base in a directionperpendicular to the shim base. The shim is configured such that thefirst tab can extend through the first positioning slot, and the secondtab can extend through the second positioning slot. Also, the first tabextends into the first channel, and the second tab extends into thesecond channel.

Other embodiments can include a method of connecting three flat memberswith a single connector, the connector including a support portion, afirst arm, connected to the support portion, the first arm defining afirst arm channel, a second arm, connected to the support portion, thesecond arm defining a second arm channel, the second arm being apartfrom the first arm, wherein an opening is defined, in part, by an edgeof the support portion, and edge of the first arm and an edge of thesecond arm. The method can include positioning a first flat memberwithin the first arm channel, such that it passes through the opening,and positioning the second flat member, in part, in the second armchannel; and positioning the third flat member such that it abuts thesupport portion. The first flat member extends in a first plane, thesecond flat member extends in a second plane, and the third flat memberextends in a third plane, wherein each or the first plane, second planeand third plane are mutually perpendicular to the other two of the threeplanes.

Thus, by way of embodiments of the invention, a connector is providedthat facilitates a user supportingly positioning and connecting threedifferent flat members, with each or the flat members oriented in aplane mutually perpendicular to the planes in which the other flatmembers are oriented. In addition, embodiments of the invention providefor connecting two or three flat members such that support is providedby way of the connected flat members, and the connector, and not anexternal structure, such as a wall. Moreover, certain embodimentsfacilitate a perpendicular alignment of different flat members prior toconnecting the members, so that a satisfactory corner or right angleconnection can be achieved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be more readily understood from the detaileddescription of exemplary embodiments presented below considered inconjunction with the attached drawings, of which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connector, in accordance withembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another connector, in accordance withembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a shim that can be used in combinationwith a connector, in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the connector of FIG. 2, in combinationwith the shim of FIG. 3A, in accordance with certain embodiments;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a connector connecting two panelmembers in a “T” configuration, in accordance with certain embodiments;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a connector connecting three panelmembers, in accordance with certain embodiments;

FIG. 4C is a perspective view of two connectors, connecting panelmembers in an “X” configuration, in accordance with certain embodiments;and

FIGS. 5A-5C are perspective views of furniture pieces constructed from acombination of connectors, and panel members, in accordance with certainembodiments.

It is to be understood that the attached drawings are for purposes ofillustrating, and not limiting, the concepts of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIG. 1, there is shown a connector 100 in accordancewith embodiments of the invention. The connector 100 comprises a panelsupport portion 110. First arm 130 and second arm 160 each extendoutwardly from support portion 110.

First arm 130 includes a base 134 connected to and extending outwardlyfrom support portion 110. On first arm 130, outer wall 144 and innerwall 154 extend away from base 134 in opposing positions, such that base134, outer wall 144 and inner wall 154 define a first arm channel 136.Similarly, second arm 160 includes a base 164 connected to and extendingoutwardly from support portion 110. On second arm 160, outer wall 174and inner wall 184 extend away from base 164 in opposing positions, suchthat base 164, outer wall 174 and inner wall 184 define a second armchannel 166.

The first and second arm channels 136, 166 can be generally U-shapedsuch that they can each fit about and provide stability to a panelmember, such as a board or panel, as is described in further detailbelow.

With respect to an arbitrary three-dimensional X-Y-Z axis system,support portion 110 lies in the X-Y plane. Further, base 134 of firstarm 130 extends away from support portion 110 along the Y axis, whilebase 166 of second arm 160 extends away from support portion 110 alongthe X axis. Thus, first arm 130 extends in a direction perpendicular, orsubstantially perpendicular, to second arm 160.

First arm 130 is spaced apart from second arm 160, with outer wall 144of first arm 130 being spaced apart from outer wall 174 of second arm160. Edge 118 of support portion 110 is aligned diagonally in the X-Yplane, with respect to the X and Y axes, and connects to edge 148 ofouter wall 144 and edge 178 of outer wall 174. In other embodiments,edge 118 can be aligned in other orientations. Edges 118, 148 and 178define a panel opening through which a panel member can be passed orpositioned, or extend, as is described in further detail below.

With reference to FIG. 2, there is shown a connector 200 in accordancewith embodiments of the invention. Similarly to connector 100, describedabove, connector 200 comprises a flat support portion 210, a first arm230 and a second arm 260 each extending outwardly from support portion210. Edges 218, 248 and 278 define a panel opening through which a panelmember can be passed, or extend through, as is described in furtherdetail below.

First arm 230 includes securing holes 228 defined in outer wall 244 andsecuring holes 228 defined in inner wall 254 and securing holes 228defined in base 234. Similarly, second arm 260 includes securing holes228 defined in outer wall 274, securing holes 228 defined in inner wall284 and securing holes 228 defined in base 264. Further, support portion210 includes one or more securing holes 228 defined therein. Thesecuring holes 228 can be used to facilitate fastening connector 200 topanel members aligned in the first channel 236 of first arm 230, thesecond channel 266 of second arm 260, or adjacent to support portion210, as is described in further detail below.

Support portion 210 also includes positioning slots 220, 222 andpositioning hole 226 defined therein, which can facilitate connector 200being used in conjunction with a shim member, as is described below withreference to FIGS. 3A and 3B.

As shown in FIG. 3A, shim member 300 includes tabs 320, 322 extendingoutward from shim base 310. Tabs 320, 322 extend from opposite ends of,and in a direction perpendicular to, shim base 310. Tabs 320, 322 arearranged such that they extend from shim base in perpendicularorientation to each other. In other embodiments, other orientations ofshim base 310, and shim tabs 320, 322 can be employed.

Shim member 300 can be used in conjunction with connector 200, as isshown in FIG. 3B. Shim member 300 can be positioned such that tab 320 ofshim member 300 extends through positioning slot 220 of connector 200,and such that tab 322 of shim member 300 extends through positioninghole 222 of connector 200. Positioning slots 220, 222 can have a widthgreater than the thickness of tabs 320, 322, thus allowing shim member300 to be selectively positioned such that tabs 320, 322 can beselectively positioned at predetermined respective distances from outerwalls 244, 274. Such selective positioning allows the first and secondchannels 236, 266 to beneficially accommodate panel members of varyingthicknesses. In addition, the thickness of tabs 320, 322 can be made todifferent dimensions to facilitate a variety of panel memberthicknesses.

With reference to FIG. 4A, and with continued reference to FIGS. 1 and2, there is shown a connector 200 facilitating the positioning andconnecting of a horizontal panel member 400 and a vertical panel member410 in a “T” formation. A portion of an edge of horizontally positionedpanel member 400 is positioned within the channel 236 of first arm 230,and a portion of an edge of vertically positioned panel member 410 ispositioned within the channel 266 of second arm 260. A “T” formation canalso be formed by reversing the relative positions of the panel membersin the connector arms. Beneficially, the panel member 400 can passthrough the panel opening defined in part by edges 218, 248 and 278.Thus, by first and second arms 230 and 260 being spaced apart, panelmember 400 can pass or extend through the panel opening formed in partby edges 218, 248 and 278, with an end of panel member 410 abutting thepanel member 400, and forming the shown “T” structure. Also, a panelpositioned in either channel can extend through the opening.

With reference to FIG. 4B, and with continued reference to FIGS. 1 and2, there is shown a connector 200 facilitating the positioning andconnecting of a horizontal panel member 400 and a first verticallyoriented panel member 410 in an “L” configuration. In addition, a secondvertically oriented panel member 430 is also connected by way ofconnector 200, with the three connected panel members forming a “box”configuration. With reference to the X-Y-Z axis shown in FIG. 1, andwhich also applies to FIG. 2, a single connector 200 can be used toconnect and stabilize a first panel member 410 positioned in the Y-Zplane, a second panel member 400 positioned in the X-Z plane, and athird panel member 430 positioned in the X-Y plane. Thus, a singleconnector 200 can be used to secure three different panel members, witheach panel member being positioned in a different plane, with each planebeing perpendicular to the other two planes. Such an orientation of theplanes is also referred to herein as the planes being “mutuallyperpendicular.”

With reference to FIG. 4C, and with continued reference to FIGS. 1 and2, there is shown two connectors 200 used to position a horizontallyoriented panel member 400, first vertically oriented panel member 410and second vertically oriented panel member 412 in an “X” configuration.Due to the above-described diagonal orientation of edge 218 with respectto first arm 230 and second arm 260, two connectors 200 can bepositioned with their respective edges 218 adjacent, in an interlockingfashion, allowing horizontally oriented panel member 400 to pass throughthe panel openings of both of the connectors 200, and allowing an end ofeach of vertically oriented panel members 410 and 412 to abut a side ofpanel member 400.

Due to the above-described features of embodiments of connector 200 (andconnector 100), connector 200 can facilitate the assembly of structures,such as, for example, furniture pieces, by a non-expert assembler, suchas in the case of furniture that is purchased in parts and thenassembled by the purchaser. The first and second channels defined in thefirst and second arms allows for multiple panel members to be partiallyand supportingly held in place at right angles and then screwed intoplace. Thus, embodiments of the connector make it easy for a user toposition multiple members to have perpendicular or “true” angles (orcorners) between the respective panel members. In the embodiment shownin FIG. 4B, a user would be able to supportingly position three mutuallyperpendicular panel members with connector 200, and maintain a mutuallyperpendicular relationship between the three panel members 400, 410, 430to allow for screwing or otherwise securing the panel members 400, 410,430 to the connector 200. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4B, the thirdpanel member 430 could be the back of a furniture piece, such as abookcase. After the panel members 400, 410, 430 are secured to theconnector 200 by screws or other fasteners, the panel members 400, 410,430 are supported by the connector 200 without reliance on an externalrigid structure, such as a wall or ceiling.

With reference to FIGS. 5A-5C, there is shown various furniture piececonfigurations including multiple connectors 200 (or 100). FIG. 5A showsa desk formed with horizontally oriented panel members 400, verticallyoriented panel members 410 and connectors 200. In FIG. 5B is illustrateda chair-like structure that is a combination of a vertically orientedpanel member 410, horizontally oriented panel members 400, multipleconnectors 200 and square rods 440. In the embodiment of FIG. 5B,portions of square rods are placed within the channels 266 defined inthe second arms 260 (see FIG. 2). Thus, embodiments of the connector 200(and connector 100) can also be used to connect panel members withsquare rods.

With reference to FIG. 5C, there is shown a furniture piece configuredas a book case that makes use of a combination of horizontally orientedpanel members 400, vertically oriented panel members 410 and connectors200 (or connectors 100).

As referred to herein, the panel members can be wood panels or boards,solid or hollow, natural wood, or particle board or plywood, such as ¾inch plywood. Embodiments of the connector of the present applicationcan also be used with panel members made from plastic, metal and/orglass and combinations thereof. While the panel members are typicallyflat and straight, in certain embodiments, the panel members can becurved or have other shapes. Embodiments of the connector can also beused to supportingly connect rectangular metal tubes or other similartubes made of other materials known in the art.

Embodiments of the present connector can be used to supportingly joinand connect panel members to make furniture pieces such as, for example,desks, bookcases, chairs, cabinets and wine racks. Further, embodimentsof the present connector can be used to supportingly join and connectpanel members for use with partitions and other flexible office spacesystems such as to form cubicles in a modern flexible work space. Inaddition, it is contemplated that embodiments of the present connectorcan be used to form other structures, such as sheds, tents and canopysystems, as well as those related to toys and games, including erectorsets and other modular building toys.

Embodiments of the present connector can be stamped, laser cut or waterjet cut from a single piece of metal such as, for example, 14 gaugesteel. Other thicknesses can be used as a matter of design choice.Alternately, the connector can be cast in metal, or injection moldedfrom metal or plastic. The formed single piece can be bent viaprogressive dies or manually bent or bent via a bending die to form theconnector as configured. In certain embodiments, the finish can benatural, or could be varied as a matter of design choice. Embodiments ofthe invention can include methods of making the connectors as describedabove. In addition, embodiments of the invention can include assembling,building or forming furniture pieces or other structures with theconnectors as described herein.

Embodiments of the inventive connector can include more or fewerpositioning holes, positioning slots and securing holes than shown. Thesecuring holes can be screw holes for standard wood screws, holes forzip type screws, threaded holes, or synched in holes. The holesfacilitate securing the panel members to the connector once the panelmembers are stabilized by the connector.

Because screws are used, and because, in embodiments of the invention,the screws are externally accessible after assembly, the screws can beaccessed and removed, thus allowing the panel members and screws to bereconfigured and re-used in certain circumstances.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2 and 1, the first and second channels236, 266 (136, 166) defined in the first and second arms 230, 260 (130,160) of embodiments of the invention can be dimensioned so as toaccommodate ¾ inch plywood, or other panel member dimensions asrequired. In addition, while the channels 236, 266 (136, 166) are showndefining a general U-shape or C-shape, in certain embodiments, thechannels 236, 266 (136, 166) can have other shapes to accommodatedifferent shape panel members. In addition, the terms “U-shaped” or“C-shaped,” as used herein, are intended to include shapes having sharpcorners, as is depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. In some embodiments, roundedor smoothed corners can be employed. In addition, while walls 244, 254are shown extending perpendicularly up from arm bases 234, 264, incertain embodiments, the walls 244, 254 can extend out from respectivebases 234, 264 at other angles.

In addition, with continued reference to FIG. 2, while first arm 230 isoriented perpendicular to the second arm 260, that is, angle A is at 90degrees, in certain embodiments, angle A can be larger or smaller than90 degrees.

Reference has been made above in detail to specific embodiments of theinvention including the best modes contemplated by the inventor forcarrying out the invention. Examples of these specific embodiments areillustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention isdescribed in conjunction with these specific embodiments, it will beunderstood that it is not intended to limit the invention to thedescribed embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to coveralternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included withinthe spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.In the above description, specific details are set forth in order toprovide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention.Embodiments of the invention may be practiced without some or all ofthese specific details. Further, portions of different embodiments canbe combined, as would be understood by one of skill in the art. Inaddition, well known features may not have been described in detail toavoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention.

It is to be understood that the exemplary embodiments are merelyillustrative of the invention and that many variations of theabove-described embodiments can be devised by one skilled in the artwithout departing from the scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended that all such variations be included within the scope of thefollowing claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A connector for connecting at least a first flatmember and a second flat member, comprising: a support portion; a firstarm, connected to the support portion, the first arm defining a firstarm channel; a second arm, connected to the support portion, the secondarm defining a second arm channel, the second arm being apart from thefirst arm; the first arm including a first base, and a first inner walland a first outer wall, extending out from the first base, the firstinner wall being shorter than the first outer wall, the first base,first inner wall and first outer wall defining the first arm channel;the second arm including a second base, and a second inner wall and asecond outer wall, extending out from the second base, the second innerwall being shorter than the second outer wall, the second base, secondinner wall and second outer wall defining the second arm channel; thesupport portion being directly connected to the first base of the firstarm, and being aligned in parallel with the first base of the first arm;the support portion being directly connected to the second base of thesecond arm, and being aligned in parallel with the second base of thesecond arm; the first outer wall having a first proximal edge and afirst distal edge; the second outer wall having a second proximal edgeand a second distal edge; the first outer wall having a first walllength extending from the first distal edge to the first proximal edge;the second outer wall having a second wall length extending from thesecond distal edge to the second proximal edge; wherein an opening isdefined, in part, by the first proximal edge and the second proximaledge; wherein the first arm channel and the second arm channel areshaped and configured such that the first flat member can be disposed,in part, within the first arm channel, and extend through the opening,and past the second outer wall, and the second flat member can bedisposed, in part, in the second arm channel; wherein the first innerwall of the first arm channel is configured such that it contacts a sideof the first flat member; and wherein the second proximal edge of thesecond wall is configured such that it contacts the side of the firstflat member.
 2. The connector of claim 1, wherein the first flat memberand the second flat member are arranged in a T configuration.
 3. Theconnector of claim 1, wherein the support portion is shaped andconfigured such that a third flat member can be positioned as to abutthe support portion.
 4. The connector of claim 1, wherein the edge ofthe support portion extends diagonally from the first arm to the secondarm.
 5. The connector of claim 1, wherein the first arm extends outwardin a first direction, and the second arm extends outward in a directionperpendicular to the first arm.
 6. The connector of claim 1, wherein thesupport portion is shaped and configured such that a third flat membercan be positioned as to abut the support portion; wherein the first flatmember extends in a first plane, the second flat member extends in asecond plane, and the third flat member extends in a third plane,wherein each or the first plane, second plane and third plane aremutually perpendicular to the other two of the three planes.
 7. Theconnector of claim 1, wherein the first arm channel and the second armchannel are substantially U-shaped.
 8. The connector of claim 1, thesupport portion comprising a plurality of positioning slots definedtherein, wherein the positioning slots are shaped and configured toreceive the tabs of a shim.
 9. The connector of claim 1, the supportportion comprising a plurality of positioning slots defined therein;wherein the positioning slots are shaped and configured to receive thetabs of a shim member; and wherein the positioning slots have a widththat is greater than the thickness of the tabs of the shim member, suchthat the shim member can be selectively positioned within thepositioning slots.
 10. A connector comprising: a support portion; afirst arm, connected to the support portion, the first arm defining afirst arm channel; a second arm, connected to the support portion, thesecond arm defining a second arm channel, the second arm being apartfrom the first arm; the first arm including a first base, and a firstinner wall and a first outer wall, extending out from the first base,the first inner wall being shorter than the first outer wall, the firstbase, first inner wall and first outer wall defining the first armchannel; the second arm including a second base, and a second inner walland a second outer wall, extending out from the second base, the secondinner wall being shorter than the second outer wall, the second base,second inner wall and second outer wall defining the second arm channel;the support portion being directly connected to the first base of thefirst arm, and being aligned in parallel with the first base of thefirst arm; the support portion being directly connected to the secondbase of the second arm, and being aligned in parallel with the secondbase of the second arm; the first outer wall having a first proximaledge and a first distal edge; the second outer wall having a secondproximal edge and a second distal edge; the first outer wall having afirst wall length extending from the first distal edge to the firstproximal edge; the second outer wall having a second wall lengthextending from the second distal edge to the second proximal edge;wherein an edge of the support portion extends diagonally from the firstarm to the second arm; wherein an opening is defined, in part, by theedge of the support portion, the first proximal edge and the secondproximal edge; and wherein the support portion is shaped and configuredto maintain the first arm in an orientation perpendicular to the secondarm.
 11. The connector of claim 1, wherein the first arm channel isshaped and configured to receive the first flat member as the first flatmember is moved in a direction perpendicular to the first axis, suchthat the first flat member is disposed, in part, in the first armchannel, and the second arm channel is shaped and configured to receivethe second flat member as the second flat member is moved in a directionperpendicular to the second axis, such that the second flat member isdisposed, in part, in the second arm channel.
 12. The connector of claim11, wherein the first inner wall and the first outer wall each have afree edge opposite the first base, and the second inner wall and thesecond outer wall each have a free edge opposite the second base; andwherein the first inner wall and the first outer wall are shaped andconfigured to allow the first member, as it is moved in theperpendicular direction, to pass between their respective free edges,and the second inner wall and the second inner wall are shaped andconfigured to allow the second member, as it is moved in theperpendicular direction, to pass between their respective free edges.